Wanted Felon Arrested Following Pursuit From Lafayette To San Leandro

On Thursday, January 2, 2020, at about 11:16 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff was advised of a stolen vehicle on Highway 24. The vehicle was stolen out of Alameda County.

A Lafayette police officer located the stolen vehicle on westbound 24 at the Wilder exit and followed it. The Sheriff’s Office STARR 1 helicopter provided aerial support for the officer.

In the area of Marina Boulevard and Highway 880 in San Leandro, the officer, assisted by other agencies, attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop. The suspect did not yield and drove away at a high rate of speed. The officers terminated the pursuit, while STARR 1 stayed overhead monitoring the vehicle’s location.

The suspect drove to the Bay Fair BART station where he abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot along the tracks. STARR 1 and a CHP helicopter located the suspect who was try- ing to hide from officers. The suspect was later arrested after surrendering.

The suspect is identified as 20-year-old Joseph Willis. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include felony evading, obstruction, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, and multiple weapons violations including felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a stolen firearm and having large capacity magazines. Willis also had three outstanding out of county arrest warrants. Willis, who was also booked for a probation violation, is being held without bail.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.